Beating a child reeks of slavery's evil

Beating a child to enhance performance, or modify character, is a disguised act of slavery. It's no different from beating a horse to get the best out of it or the consistent use of the whip by colonial slave owners in ensuring compliance and control over the early black slaves.

With every stroke of the whip, the self-esteem of a child is slowly demolished. How much longer should children tolerate physical maltreatment as a corrective measure?

Violence against children, in whatever form, is a violation of the rights of the child. You cannot discipline a child for wrongdoing by wrongly violating his or her rights. Two wrongs do not make a right. It is, therefore, the right of every child to politely refuse such maltreatment. Corporal punishment has outlived its usefulness. Long-lasting discipline isn't enforced through beating a child with a stick. It is, rather, enforced through love, patience, genuine concern, effective counselling, and tolerance.

Corporal punishment is not a guarantee for modification of character, nor has it eradicated indiscipline despite the reliance on its use. It only guarantees fear, low self-esteem, and eventual rebellion. Parents and teachers should learn to think outside the box for creative and effective ways of disciplining deviant children. Violating the rights of the child isn't one of them!